As Ball State alumni, we read with great interest the message released by the Ball State University Board of Trustees regarding the startling and disappointing decision to keep John Schnatter’s name on the Center for Entrepreneurship.

Most disappointing is the trustees’ choice to defend Schnatter and his racist comments. Since graduation, we have devoted time and personal efforts towards giving back to Ball State University, which taught us important lessons about diversity, inclusion and made us the people we are today. The trustees’ decision is counter to the basic, Hoosier values of the university and state that we love.

In the coming days, we hope the Board of Trustees comes to embrace those values. Using words of hate is never excusable — no matter the intention or circumstance. Instead of using this unfortunate situation as a learning opportunity for the community and its students, Ball State chose to shame itself, its alumni and its legacy.

Daniel Haake, B.A.‘04, M.U.R.P.‘06, former BSU Young Alumni Council Member, 2013 BSU Graduate of the Last Decade

Katie Carlson, B.S. ‘05

Alison (Zuidervliet) Brown B.A.‘07

David Sklar, B.S.‘06

Lauren Fisher, B.A.‘15

Rachel Marshall, Esq. B.S.‘09

BSU's choice on Papa John comes at crucial time in Muncie history

I am a former Muncie resident (Central, 1960) and a first-generation Ball State grad (BS 1964/MA 1967), having always been proud of my community and university. I spent 50 years as an educator, retiring as superintendent of the largest high school district (Kern High School District, Bakersfield, California) in the U.S.

My wife, Carol (Beller) Hatcher (Central 1962) is also a retired California school superintendent. We recruited BSU teachers over the past five decades.

I have just received two disgusting letters from BSU; one from the Board of Trustees and the other from the school president. Ethics can be defined as "willingness to do the right thing even though it could hurt you." On that count BSU leadership has failed.

Unlike Purdue and many other institutions, they decided to support alum John Schnattner "Papa John" and not remove his name from a campus building. They rationalize that he has been a great donor and that his racist comments were made in private.

This comes at a crucial time in Muncie’s history. BSU has been charged with shepherding the Muncie public schools, an awesome task given to very few universities in U.S. history. Like it or not, "Papa John University" will become the new mantra for BSU. The community will become acutely aware of where BSU leadership stands on issues such as diversity regardless of their stated policies. They have decided to "take the money" rather than do the ethical thing. Shame on them!

William D. Hatcher

Bakersfield, Calif.

Ball State trustees take courageous, un-'PC' stance

Courage and the willingness to search for context — two attributes sadly missing in today's war-torn society — are on display in Ball State University's decision not to break its ties with "Papa" John Schnatter, BSU alum and pizza mogul whose name affixes an institute at the university.

Ball State's refusal to bow to politically correct types who wish to banish the use of anyone's name or likeness who is even remotely suspected of racism is a courageous stance. The decision is based in part on BSU's conclusion after reviewing the context of Schnatter's use of the N-word during a May conference call with a consultant. In its search for the truth, Ball State learned that Schnatter used the word not in a derogatory or demeaning way, but as an illustration of how not to communicate with others.

It's sad that Purdue University, also faced with a decision on removing Schnatter's name from a research center on its campus, chose the path of least resistance by banishing his name. Purdue said it wanted to "avoid distraction … and division on campus." In other words, Purdue ignored the context of Schnatter's remarks and certainly lacked courage in doing so.

Larry Shores

Fishers, Ind.

Trustees' response does not reflect values of BSU

Rick Hall and the Ball State University Board of Trustees failed at an opportunity to choose moral leadership. The decision to support alumnus John “Papa John” Schnatter after his use of the N-word and his history of racially insensitive rhetoric demonstrates total disregard for decency.

The board is out of touch with the values held by our university community and is morally on an island of its own. Board leadership at Purdue University and the University of Louisville took this moment as an opportunity to demonstrate their values. Ball State trustees did not.

In a letter sent to the Ball State community, Hall characterized Schnatter’s use of the N-word as imperfect. While recognizing the painfulness of the word, Hall suggested a review of context could make his use of that word appropriate. His letter went on to announce the university would be leaving Schnatter’s name on the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise.

This response does not reflect that values of the Ball State University community. At Ball State, we have a Beneficence Pledge that calls on us to “value the intrinsic worth of every member of the community." The board should live up to that credo.

The board should remove Schnatter’s name from the institute, offer to return his donation and truly begin engaging the broader Ball State community for guidance on issues of racial justice.

The board can still choose to demonstrate our decency and values before we welcome returning students and new families to campus this fall.

Chris Taylor

Los Angeles, Calif.

BSU pandered to its 'child star' to detriment of others

Upon reading the response from the Ball State University Board of Trustees concerning the disheartening statements from alumnus John “Papa John” Schnatter, I immediately thought of the role a university should play in the life of its students, alumni, and employees.

This potential educational opportunity became a failed public relations exercise by waiting until the most convenient time where the campus was cleared of students and incoming freshmen on a Friday. It should also be known that the BSU Black Alumni Constituency Society Reunion was greeted with this news as this group returned to their alma mater the same evening.

Because he is a graduate of Ball State, there is a greater responsibility than the automatic reaction of many universities, sports franchises, his hometown, and the multi-billion-dollar company he founded to justifiably dissociate themselves. Schnatter is a Cardinal. The university is his alma mater (Latin for kind mother).

However, the Board of Trustees failed to be the parent in this situation by pandering to its child star to the detriment of other children of BSU. Imagine the embarrassment of the African American walking into the Schnatter Institute or explaining it to family and friends. What self-respecting scholar of any diversity would apply to teach as a visiting scholar?

I suggest being the parent when children act inappropriately.

Apologize

Ground him – take the naming privilege until the name has value

Pay restitution – talk to Black Cardinals and help the multicultural education on campus.

Maybe, he might learn something.

Love and Honor.

Byron T. Ballard

Muncie

Thanks to all who made Youth Revival a success

The New Testament Christian Ministries would like to thank the people, businesses and organizations who helped make our Annual Youth Revival a great success.

First and foremost we want to thank God for the beautiful weather on July 28, which enabled us to hold our event outdoors. Thank you John Anderson for hooking up the electricity for us. Thanks to the Serenity Club for the use of their facilities, and the donation of the bicycles .Thanks to Walmart, Meijer, Big Lots and H & D Superent for their continued support.

Thanks to Staples managers Phil and Sandy of Staples. Staples has been very generous in donating school supplies over the years, and Phil and Sandy have always been polite and professional.

We would like to give special thanks to our co-sponsors Blaine Southeast Neighborhood Association for their continued work in the community. Lastly, we would like to thank Amy and Frank Brooks of Tabernacle of Praise Church, who have been faithful partners in the proclaiming of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for standing in the Spirit with us. Also thanking the Snyder Band for coming on board at the last minute. We hope to work with you again next year.

Thanks to the people of the Blaine, Southeast and the Muncie community for coming out. We hope you were blessed.

If there is anyone else that we may have forgotten, please except our apology and thank you for your support.